Albarello drug jar for Syrup of French Lavender, Faenza, Italy, 1531-1570

Made:
1531-1570 in Faenza
Albarello vase, Italian, 16th century, from Faenza Albarello vase, Italian, 16th century, from Faenza

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Albarello vase, Italian, 16th century, from Faenza
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Albarello vase, Italian, 16th century, from Faenza
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Albarello vase, Italian, 16th century, from Faenza, polychrome maiolica, portrait of Horatio

The portrait painted on the side of this albarello is of Horatius Publius Cocles. He was a Roman military hero who single-handedly defended a bridge into Rome against the Etruscan army while the bridge was being destroyed and then swam back to Rome. Pictures of him are a common feature on vases from the Faenza region of Italy.

The jar was used to store Sciroppo di Stecade, Italian for “Syrup of French Lavender”. The syrup was used to treat disorders of the brain and nerves, including paralysis, epilepsy, spasms, tremors and pain.

Details

Category:
Medical Ceramic-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A240205
Materials:
whole, pottery, polychrome (tin glazed earthenware)
Measurements:
overall: 312 mm 131 mm, 1.67kg
type:
drug jar
credit:
Hurcomb